Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Female Elephant Dies After Electrocution From Illegal Farm Fence
A female elephant was found dead in a farm field near Srimantapur village.
She was between 15 and 20 years old.
Officials believe she touched an electric fence around the field.
The fence was supposed to keep animals away, but it was illegally connected to a household power line.
This made the fence dangerously powerful.
Police detained a local man for questioning.
Veterinarians examined the elephant’s body.
Officials are still investigating what happened.
They said people responsible may face legal action.
A female elephant aged about 15 to 20 years was found dead in a paddy field near Srimantapur village on Monday.
Officials said the elephant was likely electrocuted by an illegal fence connected to a household power supply.
The carcass was found near Bega Reserve Forest under Sadangi Range of Dhenkanal Forest Division.
Police detained 25-year-old Mana Goya of Simantapur for questioning as the investigation continues.
A post-mortem and joint inspection were conducted, while the final cause of death remains pending.
- Who
- A female elephant aged about 15 to 20 years; police detained Mana Goya for questioning.
- What
- The elephant died after apparently coming into contact with an illegally powered electric fence.
- When
- The carcass was found on Monday at about 7 a.m.; the article does not provide a date.
- Where
- In a paddy field near Srimantapur village, near Bega Reserve Forest under Sadangi Range of Dhenkanal Forest Division.
- Why
- Officials said the fence was illegally connected to a household power supply, making it lethally charged.
- Animal
- Female elephant, estimated to be 15 to 20 years old
- Discovery time
- Around 7 a.m. on Monday
- Location
- Paddy field near Srimantapur village, Dhenkanal
- Preliminary cause
- Electrocution after contact with an illegal electric fence
- Fence power source
- Household or domestic electricity supply
- Investigation
- Post-mortem, joint spot inspection and police questioning are underway
- Official position
- DFO Lalit Kumar Patra said electrocution is the prima facie cause, pending final findings